Discovery of Ecuador

Description du séjour

Hébergement

Programme du séjour

• jour 1

  QUITO: arrival and transfer to the hotel with guide

  

  A tour to discover Ecuador, a small country in the Andes, with the greatest diversity in Latin America! Included in this 11-day program: Quito, a colonial city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Otavalo and its indigenous market, the most colorful in South America; the Middle of the World; the Amazon, with the greatest biodiversity in the world; the imposing volcanoes, among the highest on the planet, located in the Andes mountain range; and the magnificent city of Cuenca, a historic jewel of Spanish colonial architecture. An authentic and supportive trip to interact with the populations and discover all the treasures of this small country, still little known.

• jour 2

  QUITO / OTAVALO: city tour and Middle of the World / OTAVALO

  Continuation to the province of Imbabura, to the world-renowned Otavalo market. Visit to the Otavalo handicraft market. The merchants are famous for their textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, and for wearing the traditional costume of their culture.

• jour 3

  We continue towards Peguche. In this town, almost all the inhabitants are engaged in artisanal weaving, preserving the techniques of backstrap and pedal looms, the dyeing of threads, as well as embroidery.

• jour 4

  QUITO: Avenue of the Volcanoes - Chimborazo Fauna Reserve / RIOBAMBA

  Visit to Cotopaxi National Park, where one of the highest active volcanoes in the world is located: Cotopaxi (5.890 m). The visit to the park allows you to appreciate the mountain landscapes known as «páramo», where you can reach around 4.000 meters. We will have the possibility to go on hikes to admire the spectacular flora and fauna of the Andean region of Ecuador, as well as observe local birds. In addition, if physical and weather conditions allow, there is the possibility of ascending to the refuge (4.800 m) from the parking lot (4.600 m).

• jour 5

  We head south to reach Riobamba. On the route, we will make a stop at the church of Balbanera, which is the first Catholic church built by the Spanish. • We continue to the Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve to appreciate the highest volcano in Ecuador: Chimborazo (6.310 m). Arrival by car at the refuge, which is located at 4.700 meters.

• jour 6

  CUENCA: city visit – Museum of Aboriginal Cultures – Hat factory

  In the morning, visit the beautiful city of Cuenca, jewel of Spanish colonial architecture built on the ruins of Tomebamba, an ancient Inca city. This city is notable for its buildings, its colonial balconies, and its narrow streets. It was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site: visit the flower market, Calderón Square, the old and the new cathedral, San Francisco Square and Market.

• jour 7

  CUENCA: El Cajas Viewpoint - La Toreadora Lagoon / Villa city of Guayaquil / GUAYAQUIL

  Heading towards the coast; here we will begin to see the change in landscape. • We will visit a typical coastal hacienda dating from the early 20th century. The hacienda has a few hectares of cocoa plantation. • Typical gourmet lunch with local ingredients. • After lunch, we will be able to do various activities at the hacienda, such as a demonstration of the chocolate-making process and tasting it; walks and horseback rides (not included) in the fields, or cool off in the river.

• jour 8

  GUAYAQUIL/Transfer to the airport - International flight or flight to Galápagos

  Transport to the airport for the international flight • Assistance and baggage check-in